Test Bench: Anthem AVM 50 Preamp/Processor and MCA 50 Amplifier

Note: Components tested together, with all measurements taken from the MCA 50 amplifier's speaker outputs.

DOLBY DIGITAL PERFORMANCE

All data were obtained with various test DVDs using 16-bit dithered test signals, which set limits on measured distorting and noise performance. Reference input level is -20 dBFS, and reference output is 1 watt into 8 ohms. Volume setting for reference level was 0.0 dB. All level trims were at zero, except in subwoofer-related tests, and all speakers were set to "large," subwoofer on. All are worst-case figures where applicable.

Anthem's high-end pre/pro and power amp combo proved most impressive on the test bench. The AVM50 rendered near-benchmark audio performance in almost every test, falling barely short in PCM signal-to-noise ratio and slightly truncating 96 kHz/24-bit PCM frequency response, which extends to 43 kHz on most pre/pros and receivers I've tested. Both shortfalls are inconsequential in real listening.

The MCA50 power amplifier also delivered the goods in the form of quite massive wattage in all tests, including the multichannel ones - and it did so without completely exhausting my 30-amp AC circuit, which is quite efficient for an amplifier with a conventional power supply.